Jason Mohammed "thinking big"

published by Media on Fri, 12/30/2011 - 01:02

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Rookie West Indies One-Day International batsman Jason Mohammed says he is bent on maintaining his place in the side despite failing in his solitary match on the recent tour to India.

The diminutive Trinidad & Tobago player made his debut in the fifth and final ODI in Chennai on December 11 and found it tough, scoring only two off 21 balls at Number 4 as West Indies were beaten by 34 runs for India to wrap up the five-match series 4-1.

“It was a great experience. I didn’t get off to the best start but I was just happy to be there and have an international game under my belt,” Mohammed told the Trinidad Express newspaper.

“Playing at the international level with the West Indies is where I want to stay. I always wanted to get to this level and I will be working a bit harder to keep my place in the team.

“I was very nervous. That is the biggest stage that you can get. It was my dream to play for West Indies and having played in that game, I think the next time I get an opportunity I should be a better prepared player,” Mohammed said.

The 25-year-old Mohammed earned his call-up to the West Indies team after scoring the most runs (227) all told at an average of 56.75 in the rain-hit regional Super50 championship in Guyana in October. He was named Player of the Tournament.

Mohammed is now hoping for another good showing in the 2012 Caribbean Twenty20 tournament in Antigua & Barbuda and Barbados from January 9 to 22.

“I am going to work harder starting with this Caribbean T20 and hopefully I can have a good tournament and get another chance to play for the West Indies. There are a lot of things to look forward to next year. There is the ICC World T20 and the West Indies play Australia, New Zealand and England so I am looking to play a few more games and hopefully I will be in the team for all three tours.”

Mohammed said he was not fully happy with his preparations at the moment but was looking forward to playing a key role in Trinidad & Tobago’s quest to retain the T20 title.

“Not at this point but I will definitely put in a lot of work before the New Year and before the tournament actually starts. I will be ready for that Caribbean T20 and I am hoping to play a big part in Trinidad winning that tournament.”